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WE SERVE FAMILIES IN CRISIS

Hear how we make a difference every day

HELPING FAMILIES HEAL

Hopestream is a high-touch, hands on community where our focus is on helping families heal. We become sisters and brothers, united by shared struggles, and shared hope.

HOPE: a precious gift

"We are a tribe of women who know heartache and hope."

What members are saying

Imagine standing on a mountain top screaming and you look down and see this beautiful stream that is going to carry you on a journey of healing, understanding, empathy, self care, wisdom and a new loving community. That is The Stream.
Kay w.Member, The Stream
I have been in numerous support groups, this is by far the safest, most comforting, and solid group of moms I know. There is a spirit here like no other.
Alice B.Member, the stream
The Stream is an invaluable lifeline that provides the support I need to take care of myself so that I can parent from a place of compassion and give my son the best chance of surviving and eventually thriving.
Sheri B.member, the stream
I am new here. Given the warm welcome I've already received, I know I'm in the right place - no one to judge but others to come alongside me on this crazy journey.
Angie V.New member, the stream
I hesitated joining The Stream because I was busy and didn’t want to pay for something I wasn’t going to use that much. Once I joined, I regretted I hadn’t sooner. I hadn’t realized the wealth of available information and resources that could help me help my son — precisely what I had been so busy with! What I've gained has been more than worth it!
Lee S.member, The Stream
When I think about the community of moms I have as a resource through The Stream, I tear up! It is so loving and supportive. And just like Brenda said once, come to us first, when you are faced with a crisis and don’t know how to proceed. I have done that many times and it has been so successful. I go to the well, and then I emerge, and I feel stronger and more confident. Amazing group!
Miriam G.member, the stream
Hopestream is a safe, supportive, loving space for moms "who get it." We share similar sadness and heartbreak as well as strength and perseverance as we navigate our struggling children's journeys. We are able to laugh and cry and learn from one another. Thank you for creating this space!
Amy W.member, the stream

CONNECTION: the power of community

" We all have a common struggle."

WE EMPOWER PARENTS

Our mission is to empower parents with the tools and resources they need to help their child when they struggle with substance misuse and mental health.

WE COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ELSE BUT THIS

"We never want to see another family struggle like ours did. We are in a race against powerful substances and a youth mental health crisis. How could we do anything else?"
Brenda Zane & Cathy CiothHopestream Co-Founders

FAQ

Hopestream started in 2020 when Brenda Zane began the podcast as a way to share expert resources and encouragement for parents of kids struggling with substance misuse. 

Today, Hopestream is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization driven by a collective of experienced professionals and parents. We’re fiercely passionate about improving the lives of families impacted by substance misuse, addiction, and mental health challenges.

We host a free, weekly podcast, educational workshops, retreats, and a private, online community for moms and female caregivers of teens and young adults who struggle with substance misuse and mental health.

Our team consists of licensed therapists, certified peer-support parents and seasoned mentors and coaches who guide members through the content available from Hopestream’s communities and educational offerings.

Over 50% of parents find Hopestream through our free, weekly podcast which has been accessed from 26 countries, 712 cities and offers over 280 insightful and uplifting episodes. 

Parents also find us through family and adolescent therapists, pediatricians, educational consultants, wilderness and adventure therapy programs, treatment program staff, and others in the helping professions. We also enjoy strong word of mouth referrals.

We teach the evidence-based Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) approach which is a skills-based program for families of people who have an unhealthy relationship with substances. It’s an approach uniquely designed to support family members in areas like self-care, problem-solving, and boundaries, while also teaching behavioral and motivational strategies for interacting with a treatment-resistant child.

Parents who work with us learn the power of positive reinforcement for healthy behavior (and of withdrawing it for unwanted behavior), and how to use communication skills to have more productive conversations and maximize their significant influence.

We also help parents create an environment where their child is motivated to reduce or discontinue their unhealthy or damaging use of substances. Working in combination, this helps dramatically reduce the drama, friction, frustration, and feelings of helplessness parents often live with when they have a child misusing drugs or alcohol.

You can learn more about the evidence supporting the adolescent CRAFT approach here.

Yes, we support anyone who identifies as a parent, step-parent or caregiver to a teen or young adult who struggles with substance use and mental health concerns. 

Dads & male caregivers receive support via our free podcast and workshops, and moms and female caregivers enjoy those – plus they’re also invited to join our private online community called The Stream.

Please visit our About page to learn more about our founders, team, mission and core beliefs. 

Please go here to learn more about our private, online membership for moms and female caregivers.

If you would like to discuss supporting Hopestream through a financial donation, please connect with Co-Founder, Brenda Zane, through our Contact page.

Want to see our impact with parents? Please click below to download our 2024 Impact and Action report.

download the report